With 15 posts on Friday, we have fully converted Eventing Nation to Rolex Nation. However, nights on EN turn into Sydney and Badminton Nation. Let’s take a slight break from Kentucky to check in with Colleen Rutledge, who is now the lone US rider entered at Badminton (hopefully Olivia Loiacono will make it in off of the wait list). Colleen seem to be experiencing the worst of the British weather. We wish her a great rest of her lead up to Badders and hopefully some sunshine soon. After Colleen’s last blog about Luke not drinking our friends at Horse Quencher have reached out to her and we will update you on the results. Be sure to check out Colleen’s website to support their trip to Badminton and, as always, thanks for writing this Colleen and thanks to her husband Brian for helping to coordinate her blogs.
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From Colleen:
Synchronized Swimming–New event phase to replace dressage (at least at Badminton)?!? Nose clips and smiles in place!
Can someone turn off the sprinklers, please? Or if not, can I at least have scuba gear and a cold water suit? I’ve decided against the flippers and snorkel, as I’m afraid that I would drown with the snorkel. I believe that by the end of this adventure at least one of us will have webbed appendages. Everyday is a water school, even just walking out of the field. I can say with absolute certainty that the ground at this year’s Badminton will not be hard. Great Britian has received their monthly rainfall in just a few days! Yeah! Of course it would be with me here. I have not stayed dry yet, but at least today, I was only moderately soaked.
Yesterday, I went to Bloxham C of E, primary school, where Sarah works, to do a question and answer session with the year 6’s (10-11 year olds). They were a great group who asked some fantastic questions. They were wonderfully prepared and very attentive. A few of the girls there also ride and even at the farm where Luke currently resides.
Preparations continue, Sarah has taken off next Wednesday so that she can drive me to Badminton. We are within a week of jogs! Our last gallops have gone well, I’ve put off this week’s until tomorrow as the rain has been relentless. We shall travel to the footed gallop again! This time I will bring my camera to take a picture from the top.
It is so frustrating to skulk Rolex from here. My day is almost over and scores are just starting to trickle in. Aaaauuuugggg, I want immediate satisfaction! Saturday will be horrendous as I want to know what’s going on ASAP. Well, on a better note, good luck to everyone and go safe, go clean, go fast, in that order.
